Menu

Getting Festive For July 4th

Getting Festive For July 4th

If you’re a Bostonian, you likely celebrate (and groan) at the sight of a calendar when Evacuation Day, Patriots’ Day and Bunker Hill Day come into view. The day off from work, an extended weekend or vacation and even more competition for that sneaky parking spot at the end of your street.

Well, prepare yourself, stock the fridge and get yourself some traffic cones because Independence Day is on the way! Keep reading to see some of my favorite ways to celebrate the 4th of July!

What to do: Navy Week and OpSail ships visiting Boston

What’s better than men in uniform, big boats and a holiday weekend in the city? To be honest, not a whole lot, which is why “Navy Week” is my most favorite week of the whole year.

As cool as the USS Constitution is, my favorite vessel during this year’s Navy Week is the USCGC Eagle, a training ship for the US Coast Guard Academy out of New London, Connecticut. (I mean, I took sailing lessons in fifth grade but if any Coast Guard Academy shipmen want to give me a refresher course in exchange for a tour of the city, I’m game.)

What to wear: Showcase your stars and stripes!

Temperatures are calling for loose and comfortable clothing on Wednesday (79 degrees with 65% humidity and a 30% chance of thunderstorms). If you’re planning on spending the day in the city, I’d suggest loose fitting and lightweight apparel. Rock your stars and stripes, some red, white and blue, or follow the trends of your fellow Boston-area fashionistas with denim shorts, high-waisted white jeans and white kicks.

When to celebrate: Boston Fireworks Spectacular on July 4th

While the first fireworks aren’t set to go off until 10:35 p.m. on Wednesday night, you can still take in the view from The Esplanade a whole day before the show. Beginning on Tuesday at 8:20 p.m., a mini-concert will be performed at the Hatch Shell. You can catch the ever-patriotic “1812 Overture” and other tunes until 10. The following day I’d recommend staking out a spot on the green as early as you can so as not to miss a single song from this year’s special guest Jennifer Hudson.

How to celebrate: At home

Aside from participating in your friendly neighborhood Tory Burch sale, there’s plenty you can do to celebrate right from home. Of course, its fun to host a “potluck” BBQ but if you want to provide some yummy snacks, let your imagination run wild! See my favorite d.i.y. “sweets and treats” ideas I spotted on Pinterest below to inspire you!

What are some of your favorite ways to celebrate and decorate for the holiday? Any tips for mid-week celebrations? Tell me below in the comments, re-blog your favorite ideas from my Tumblr and be sure to let me know if you StumbleUpon any other fun ideas!